COM2006 WK4 Project

Role of Power Symmetrical Relationship

Role of Power How Power Affects This Relationship Both people in this type of relationship have the same orientation toward power. Both desire power, or both want to avoid power.

When you are in a symmetrical relationship where you both want to relinquish power to the other person, decision making becomes an issue. If neither person is willing to take control or claim power over the situation, then problems can arise. This type of relationship then becomes a submissive symmetrical relationship. If, on the other hand, both people want to take control, then the relationship is a competitive symmetrical relationship.

Competitive Symmetrical Relationship

Role of Power How Power Affects This Relationship In this type of relationship, both people want to take control or have power in the relationship. Each person in the relationship wants to control the other or the situation. In this type of relationship, having power is the person’s goal.

When each person in the relationship wants to control the other person or the situation, then the relationship is about who can get his or her way. The goal is to have power over the other person or situation. In this relationship, cooperation and negotiation become very difficult; however, these are not impossible.

Submissive Symmetrical Relationship

Role of Power How Power Affects This Relationship In this type of relationship, power is to be avoided. Both people in the relationship want to avoid taking control of the situation or making decisions. Power in this case is unwanted by both parties.

When both people in the relationship want to avoid having power over the other or the situation, then it is hard, if not impossible, to make decisions or move forward in a situation. Both people can flounder and struggle with indecisiveness in this type of relationship.

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